PM's silence on civilian killings by Pak unfortunate: Ghulam Nabi Azad

Jammu: Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said it was unfortunate that the Prime Minister chose to "remain mute" on the killing of civilians in Pakistani shelling on Independence Day instead of giving out a strong message to the neighbouring country.

"Yesterday, a major attack had taken place, and a message should have gone to Pakistan but I feel sorry that the PM chose to remain mute on the issue," Azad told reporters.

"I feel sorry that for the first time on August 15, Prime Minister talked about foreign policies. While talking on foreign policies, the PM should have condemned Pakistan's act from the ramparts of Red Fort," he added.

In a jibe at Modi, Azad said that as chairman of election panel of BJP, he had been showing a 56-inch chest to Pakistan but now had failed to show the country even his 6-inch chest.

"It is sad and unfortunate that PM failed to give reply to Pakistan from Red Fort for firing and shelling along LOC in Poonch in which five persons were killed.

"He will have to break his silence at some point of time. I am feeling sad for him for being mute now," he added.

Replying to a question on whether talks and terror can go hand-in-hand, Azad said, "Well, this is for this particular government (Modi government) to think about. While in power, whenever we (UPA) wanted to hold talks with Pakistan, BJP which was opposition then used to ridicule and criticise us saying that talks cannot be held while terror continues.

Now, as the terror incidents have increased manifolds, the government led by Modi is going two-steps forward and four steps backward. I think they don't have any clear policy with regard to Pakistan", Azad said.

"I do not want to speak on this anymore and play politics over talks. Today, I want to speak on the behaviour of Pakistan towards India and people of J&K. By these acts, people of J&K will start hating Pakistan," he claimed.

Asked whether security situation had worsened after Modi government came to power, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said, "There is no denying the fact. I have already raised this on the floor of the House. Ever since BJP came to power at the Centre, there has been a huge escalation in incidents along the border.

"There has been a huge increase in ceasefire violations along the International Border and LoC in Jammu and Kashmir provinces. There has been a manifold increase... we have never seen this before," he said.

On Independence Day, five civilians, including a sarpanch, were killed and five others injured in heavy firing and mortar bomb shelling by Pakistani troops at several Indian posts and civilian areas.